A Letter to the Wife of an Unemployed Man

You don’t have to tell me how tough it’s been because I completely understand. It’s been a long time now and you’re tired. You keep wondering when it will be over. When will it finally be over? When will things change? Everything about your life seems to be one big question mark. And you hate that.

It’s strange being the one that provides financially for your family. All you’ve ever been taught (by society, by the church, etc.) is that it’s the man’s job to work and bring home the bacon, so sometimes it’s difficult for you to assume that role by yourself. But you’re strong and you’re wholly invested and committed to your family, so you do what you have to do. And most days you manage, but same days you don’t manage so well. Some days you want to scream and cry from sheer frustration. I’ve been there, I know.

On top of all that, you have to be a well of emotional support to your husband. He’s a good man and you love him tremendously. You want to be supportive and see him succeed. You’re doubly hurt because you hate that he has to experience this – the constant applying, calls for tests but no interviews, the disappointment. You want a solid opportunity to come along that will be perfect, just perfect for him. But it doesn’t seem to be out there and everyday that nothing new comes along…your heart sinks a little further for the both of you.

I can’t say that I have all of the answers or even a proven solution to what you’re experiencing. No one can tell you how to feel or what to do because every family is different. My point in writing you this letter is to simply say: it’s going to be okay. I know some days your thoughts, fears, and uncertainties about the future have you in a choke hold – keeping you from believing those five words…but they’re true. I don’t know how it will turn out for you, but I just know that whatever happens – it will be okay. You guys will figure it out. If you believe in God, you must trust that the Lord will take care of it all. I don’t know when, but I know He will.

So keep your head up and your heart strong. Continue to love on your husband and be there for him. He needs you. You need each other to make it through this. Encourage him and build him up they way you would want him to do for you if it was the other way around. Don’t give in to despair. It’s okay to cry and be sad on occasion, but please don’t give up. Ever.